Nozzle structure with lever adjusting insert



Nov. 15, 1966 M. D. MANSFIELD 3,285,564

NOZZLE STRUCTURE WITH LEVER ADJUSTING INSERT Filed Dec. 16, 1964 fig. .5

INVENTOR. Wraaiffi ,9. Wwfi'e/d United States Patent 3,285,564 NOZZLE STRUCTURE WITH LEVER ADJUSTING INSERT Meredith D. Mansfield, Muskegon, Mich, assignor to Enterprise Brass Works, Muskegon, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Filed Dec. 16, 1964, Ser. No. 418,698 Claims. (Cl. 251240) This invention relates to nozzle structures, and more particularly to the type of nozzle structure having a flow passage formed thelrethr-ough, valve means disposed in the flow passage to open or close the passage, and a lever pivotally secured on the nozzle structure and engaging and operating the valve means.

In the transfer of a fluid, fuel oil or the like, from a bulk tank or other receptacle to a second tank or receptacle, it is common to use a lengthy hose attached at one end to the bulk tank, the hose having a nozzle structure at the other end. The nozzle is placed in the (receiving tank and is lever ope-rated for controlling a valve to open and close the flow passage through the nozzle. It is common to have such a nozzle structure formed with the lever pivotally mounted on the nozzle frame and engaging a valve operating rod or the like, to actuate the valve upon pivotal movement of the lever by the operator. It is also usual to provide some sort of stop means for the lever to maintain the valve in an open position during delivery so that the operator need not hold the lever in its open position during the entire transfer period. Such stop means normally include a series of lugs or steps extending outwardly from the nozzle frame and adapted to be engaged by the end of the lever remote from the pivot attachment. The :operator may selectively place the end of the lever in engagement with one of the lugs or stops, depending upon the desired fiovv through the nozzle structure. In this way, the nozzle structure may be mounted in the receiving tank, the lever suitably rotated about its pivot to open the valve the desired amount and the lever engaged on its suitable stop. The operator may then leave the nozzle until the desired amount .of fluid has been transferred.

In the past, such nozzle structures have been manufactured of aluminum, or like material, to provide as light a structure as possible for the ease and facility of the o erator. The pivot connection between the lever and the nozzle frame is formed by a member extending outwardly from the frame to receive a pin passing through the lever and through the member. At the opposite end of the lever, the nozzle frame is provided with an elongated slot and integrally formed steps extend into the slot. The steps are adapted to be engaged by the adjacent end of the lever. The lever engaging surfaces of the several steps are normally formed in parallel relation, for ease in casting the nozzle frame during manufacture thereof, and the end of the lever has a generally planar surface. When the lever end engages the steps, the engagement is thus line contact with an edge of the particular step, leading to rapid Wear of the steps. The pivotal connection formed with the nozzle frame also wears quite rapidly with use. Thus, scrapping of the entire nozzle structure is necessary when these parts are worn to a degree making the lever movement inefficient or inoperable. However, the remainder of the nozzle structure is usually in good operating condition since there are few other moving parts. Thus, the resultant replacement of the entire nozzle structure is an expensive and inefficient condition of operation for bulk fuel or fluid delivery.

The nozzle structure in which this invention is embodied comprises, generally, a nozzle frame having a through-flow passage with suitable valve means disposed therein and a valve operating lever pivotally mounted on the frame and engageable with suitable stops .at the rear end of the lever. The pivot connection between the lever and the nozzle frame include-s a bushing of a material having low wear characteristics so as not to wear out the material of which the nozzle frame is manufactured. At the rearward end of the lever member is an insert, also formed of a material having low wear characteristics, the insert being formed with a plurality of steps extending into the opening at the end of the nozzle frame and being selectively engageable by the end vof the lever member. The end of the lever opposite the pivot connection is provided with a generally planar surface, and each of the steps with which the lever end engage-s is provided with a planar surface substantially parallel to such planar surface on the end of the lever when the lever is in the step engaging position for that particular step. Another surface On the insert step is formed angularly outwardly toward the upper planar surface to provide a cam surface so that the lever may be cam-med outwardly away from the insert as it is raised tor proper engagement with the lever engaging surface.

The bushing and the insert may be formed of an organic plastic material such as Delrin (an acct-a1 resin derived by polymerization of formaldehyde, produced by the E. I. du Pont de Nemours .and Co, Inc, of Wilmington, Delaware), or of a metallic alloy such as manganesebronze. Whatever material is used must be extremely wear resistant and capable of easy [formation into the structures of the bushing :and the insert, but is unbendable thereafter.

A nozzle structure constructed in this manner reduces to a considerable extent, the wear problems and the expens-e resulting therefrom. The bushing and stepped insert may be easily formed in quantity and are easily replaced in the nozzle frame when worn to an inoperable degree. This eliminates the need her scrapping the entire nozzle structure when wear occurs, the inserts being extremely inexpensive to manufacture, produce and replace. The orientation of the lever engaging surfaces on the rearward insert further reduces the wear at these points and provides a more positive engagement between the lever and the steps.

These and other advantages will become more apparent from the following description and drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view with parts broken away and in section of a nozzle structure of the general type described and embodying the invention.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged view of the nozzle structure illustrated in FIGURE 1 with parts broken away and in section to illustrate the position of the various parts.

FIGURE 3 is an end view of the nozzle structure illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, taken substantially along the line 33 of FIGURE 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the nozzle structure illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 taken substantially along the line 4-4 of FIGURE 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the insert member having the lever engaging steps extending therefrom.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, FIGURE 1 best illustrates the overall nozzle structure. The nozzle, indicated generally by the numeral 10, is attached to a hose or the like, 12 which in turn extends to the bulk tank or other fluid source, not shown. A suitable coupling 14 mounted on the end of hose 12 is threaded to be received in the end of nozzle structure 10. Nozzle structure 10 includes a frame having an inlet portion 16 and an outlet portion 18, the former being provided with an inlet passage 20, and the latter with an outlet passage 22. Disposed within the nozzle structure 10 is a valve assembly, illustrated generally by the numeral 24, which is operable to open or close communication between the inlet passage 20 and the outlet passage 22; Any suitable valve structure 24 may be provided, so long as the valve itself is operated by a downwardly extending pin or operating member 26 and which is spring-biased into its closed position by a suitable spring 28. Extending from the end of outlet portion 18 of the nozzle structure may be a pipe or the like 30, secured in the nozzle structure 10 by a suitable coupling device 32. Pipe 30 is so formed as to be readily received in the receiving tank for the fluid. Also formed on the nozzle frame 10 is a hook receiving member 34 to permit mounting the nozzle structure 10 in some suitable manner when not in use.

Extending outwardly from the outlet portion 18 of the nozzle frame is an ear 36 having an aperture 38 formed therethrough. At the opposite end of the nozzle frame, and depending downwardly from the inlet end 16, is a frame portion 40 having an elongated, rectangular opening 42 formed therein. Frame portion 40 and the outlet end of portion 18 are connected by a rib 44 of suitable cross-sectional shape to provide the desired strengthening for the entire structure.

So. much of the nozzle structure 10 above-described may be easily formed of aluminum or other suitable material and being sufficiently light in weight for convenient handling by the operator. Valve structure 24 may be conveniently formed as a separate unit, suitably receivable and securable in the nozzle structure 10, and which may be readily removable and replaceable for cleaning and repair.

Disposed within the confines of the nozzle structure 10 and frame portions 40 and 44 is a lever, illustrated gen erally by the numeral 46. Lever 46 is bifurcated at its forward end to provide spaced ears 48 straddling the ear 36 formed on the nozzle frame. A pivot pin 50 is received through the ears 48 and the aperture 38 in the ear 36 to permit lever 46 to pivot thereabout as the nozzle structure is operated. Intermediate the ends of the lever 46 is an enlarged pad 52 which engages the valve operating pin 26 so that when the lever 46 is pivoted upwardly and downwardly about the ear 36 the pin 26 moves vertically to open or close the valve means 26 and the flow passage 20-22. The end of lever 46 remote from the ears 48 extends into the elongated opening 42 in the frame portion 40 and is provided with a generally planar surface 54 for purposes to become hereinafter more apparent.

Disposed within the aperture 38 in the pivot car 36 is a bushing 56, surrounding the pivot pin 50. Bushing 56 is formed of a material having low wear characteristics for extended life and at the same time is of a form, size and shape that permits relatively easy replacement thereof should the wear of the bushing 56 hamper the operation of the lever 46. Bushing 56 may be conveniently formed of Delrin, manganese-bronze, or some similar material. Bushing 56 extends between the ears 48 of the lever 46 and the pivot pin 50 may rotate within the bushing 56 as the lever 46 is pivoted.

Disposed within the elongated opening 42 in the frame portion 40 of the nozzle structure 10 is an insert member, illustrated generally by the numeral 58. Insert 58 includes a flat body portion 60 which is received against the side wall of the opening 42 and which is secured in the frame portion 40 by suitable screws or the like 62. Extending outwardly from the body portion 60 are a plurality of steps 64, vertically spaced from each other to provide lever engaging platforms for the end 54 of the lever 46. The upper surface 66 of each of the steps 64 is disposed in a plane substantially parallel to the planar end surface 54 of the lever 46 when the lever surface 54 is in engagement with the particular step. For example, the lever surface 54 may be in a plane passing through the center of pivot pin 50. Thus, the surfaces 66 of each of the steps 64 Would also fall in planes extending through the center of pivot pin 50. In this manner, there is substantial surface contact between the lever and the step surfaces 66.

Steps 64 are so constructed as to have angularly outwardly directed cam surfaces 68 extending from the body portion 60 to the extremity of the upper surface 66. Surfaces 68 thus provide a camming surface for the lever 46 so that as the lever 46 is raised, the lever will be directed laterally out of engagement with the body portion 60 and thus more easily engage the lever supporting surfaces 66. The size of the elongated opening 42 is suflicient to permit such lateral movement of the lever 46, and the pivot connection 48-50-36 is sufficient to permit such lateral movement.

Insert 58 is formed of a material having low wear characteristics so that continued movement of the lever member 46 therealong and the continued resting of the lever 46 on the individual steps 64 will not create the rapid wear situation. Should such Wear occur, the insert member 58 is formed of a material which maybe easily and inexpensively manufactured and easily replaced in the frame portion 40 of the nozzle structure 10. Insert 58 may conveniently be formed of Delrin, manganese-bronze, or like material, as is the pivot bushing 56.

It will now become apparent that in the operation of the nozzle structure 10, and with the parts in the position illustrated in FIGURE 1, flow from the inlet passage 20 to the outlet passage 22 will be effectively blocked by the valve assembly 24. When the lever 46 is raised about the pivot connection 50-48-36, the valve rod 26 will be depressed against spring 28, thus opening the valve passage and permitting flow from the inlet to the outlet of the nozzle structure 10. The rearward end of lever 46 is engaged by the operator with one of the steps 64 so that it will be retained in place and permit the desired volume of flow through the nozzle structure. The spring bias of spring 28 on. the valve rod 26 will also maintain the engagement of the lever 46 with the particular step 64. should it be desired to increase fiow through the nozzle structure 10, the operator need only lift the lever 46 from one step to the next, the lever being cammed outwardly by the surfaces 68 on the steps. Suitable reengagement with another step is made and the nozzle structure may end surface 54 be left by the operator to continue the fluid transfer 0peration. When the fluid transfer is complete, the operator laterally shifts the lever 46 within the elongated opening 42 to disengage the lever from the steps 64 and drop the lever to its downmost position. This elfectively closes the flow passage 20-22 by the spring actuated valve assembly 24. Continued up and down movement of the lever 46 and engagement with the various steps 64 over a period of time, causes wear at both the pivot connection and the step engaging surfaces. However, with the pivot connection including a wear resistant bushing, and the insert being formed of a similar material, the wear problem is greatly diminished. Should wear occur in these parts sufiicient to destroy the effectiveness of the nozzle structure, they may be easily replaced and it is not necessary to scrap the remainder of the nozzle frame.

It will now be apparent to those having skill in the art that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the structure hereinbefore illustrated and described. However, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention by the foregoing, but by the scope of the appended claims in which:

I claim:

1. A nozzle structure comprising:

a frame having a flow passage formed therethrough;

valve means in said frame for opening and closing said passage;

a lever pivotally mounted at one end on said frame and operatively engaging said valve means;

and an insert formed of unbendable material having lower wear characteristics than the material of said lever and being secured in said frame adjacent the other end of said lever, said insert having a plurality of steps extending outwardly therefrom;

said other end of said lever being selectively engage-able with any one of said steps to maintain said valve means in a correspondingly open position.

2. The nozzle structure set forth in claim 1 wherein said other end of said lever is provided with a planar step engaging surface, and each of said step is provided with a planar lever engaging surface parallel to said step engaging surface on said one end of said lever when said lever is pivoted into position to engage said step.

3. The nozzle structure set forth in claim 2 wherein said surface on said other end of said lever and said lever engaging surfaces on each of said steps are in planes passing through the center of the pivot connection between said one end of said lever and said frame.

4. The nozzle structure set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said steps is provided with another planar surface extending angularly from the outer extremity of said step to said insert to provide a cam surface for directing said other end of said lever outwardly.

5. The nozzle structure set forth in claim 1 and further including a bushing formed of a material having low wear characteristics disposed in said nozzle structure and receiving a pivot pin, said lever being mounted on said pin, and said lever and said pin being rotatable in said bushing.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,702,659 2/1955 Henry 141208 X 3,020,940 2/ 1962; Sutclifie et al. 14l209 3,062,247 11/1962 'Bodkin 141-225 X 3,088,500 5/1963 Payne 141208 3,167,095 1/1965 Briede 141209 X ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner.

HADD S. LANE, M. HENSON WOOD, 'JR., Examiners. 

1. A NOZZLE STRUCTURE COMPRISING: A FRAME HAVING A FLOW PASSAGE FORMED THERETHROUG; VALVE MEANS IN SAID FRAME FOR OPENING AND CLOSING SAID PASSAGE; A LEVER PIVOTALLY MOUNTED AT ONE END ON SAID FRAME AND OPERATIVELY ENGAGING SAID VALVE MEANS; AND AN INSERT FORMED FOR UNBENDABLE MATERIAL HAVING LOWER WEAR CHARACTERISTICS THAN THE MATERIAL OF SAID LEVER AND BEING SECURED IN SAID FRAME ADJACENT THE OTHER END OF SAID LEVER, SAID INSERT HAVING A PLURALITY OF STEPS EXTENDING OUTWARDLY THEREFROM; 